When it comes to eye care, there are three different types of professionals that one can come across: optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians. Optometrists are ophthalmologists who have earned a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, a four-year degree in addition to their standard undergraduate degree. They specialize in treatments for the health of the eye, orbit and visual systems, and can provide eye health care, perform routine eye exams, comprehensive eye checks, and provide a prescription for glasses and contact lenses. They also perform eye first aid for common conditions and injuries, such as corneal abrasions and foreign bodies.
Ophthalmologists are specialized doctors who have a medical degree and have completed at least four years of postgraduate training, including at least three years of training in eye surgery. They can diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions, as well as perform complex eye surgeries such as cataract surgery. Opticians are an important part of the eye care team, helping patients put on and find the glasses that best fit their needs. However, they don't have the training to diagnose vision problems or treat eye conditions.
When looking for an eye care professional, it is important to consider the scope of practice within the state. Depending on the state, both optometrists and ophthalmologists may be able to perform eye surgery. However, optometrists are limited in the surgeries they can perform, while ophthalmologists can perform each and every surgical procedure they are trained for. If a patient decides to go ahead with cataract surgery, the ophthalmologist and optometrist often share the patient's pre- and post-operative care, hoping to meet all of the patient's eye care needs as efficiently as possible.
At MN Eye Consultants, our ophthalmologists specialize in a wide range of treatments for eye conditions. We offer subspecialties such as cataracts, LASIK, glaucoma, oculoplasty and corneal disease. Our ophthalmologists have completed fellowships that allow them to specialize in specific areas of the eye such as the retina and cornea.
